Electric Island: EDM scene brings more to Guam nightlife

A new niche to benefit Guam, the music tourism industry has been growing, bringing more and more international DJs and tourists every year. Watch a review of this year's Electric Island Festival and don't miss the next one.
Sue Lee/PDN

The fourth annual Electric Island Festival brought 4,000 people to the Guam International Raceway June 24 and 25. DJs from around the world played electronic music while fireworks and LEDs lit up the Yigo arena.(Photo: Courtesy 6AM Group)

One of the youngest genres of music, electronic dance, has opened up new opportunities to destinations around the world.

It’s made its way to Guam, bringing something new to the nightlife scene. Around 4,000 total attendees spread across two days danced till dawn June 24 and 25 at the 4th annual 6AM Group’s Electric Island Festival at the Guam International Raceway. That number has grown from 1,800 three years ago at Guam’s first giant rave. EIF has not only created another niche in tourism for Guam, it has also created a gateway for local DJs.

“The locals are so nice and so are the beaches. I’m happy we’re merging our talents here. I want to be back in Guam. Couple of months ago before getting invited to EIF, I never even thought of being in Guam,” says Jonathan “DJ Fat Demon” Chan from Hong Kong.

Choosing from roughly 30 different DJs from Guam, Asia and the mainland U.S., the EIF crowd shifted from the front of one giant stage to the next, following their favorite artist and beat.

Pulsing lights shows surrounded the DJs, and fireworks lit up the night sky as everyone moved in unison with the entrancing, euphoric beats.

People walked around in bright, rainbow colored outfits, flowing capes, wings and funkadelic glasses. Before hitting the stage, new to this year’s EIF, eventgoers walked through an activity tent and got the letters “EIF” spray-painted onto their skin, or stained themselves with Henna tattoos.

“Another thing we did differently this year is a scavenger hunt. We want to make every year better and have something fun for people to do — more activities,” say event organizer Jia Wang. “This experience, energy and vibe can only be felt at electronic music festivals, and I wanted to bring this feeling home and share it.”

He currently lives in Los Angeles.

“Music festivals also serves as a platform for local DJs and artists to showcase their craft. In turn, they can use this experience to leverage their careers in the music and arts industry. Festivals like these are giant marketing machines,” he adds.

DJ Sylnt poses for the camera while performing a set during the Guam Summer Beach Fest in Tumon on Aug. 13.(Photo: Frank San Nicolas/PDN)

More than spinning

Experience, exposure and networking are key components of becoming a successful DJ.

“In order to survive in this world as an artist, you have to do more than just be a DJ. There are tons of DJs. You have to find ways to make yourself stand out,” says Steve Prior, resident DJ at Club Avalon, Hollywood, who closed out EIF on the final night.

Being a DJ takes dedication and hard work like any other profession, Prior says. “Teaching yourself, you can learn the concept in five minutes, but holding the skills … that takes a long time.”

Prior kept his music knowledge broad. “I played at bar mitzvahs, weddings … I’ve played it all and it’s taught me how to be a better DJ,” he says.

He networked whenever possible. “You need to create your own party, promote yourself. You help others and they help you … that’s how I met Jia and ended up here for EIF. Now he’s taking care of me.”

6AM Group also held DJ workshop centers and hosted social media marketing seminars. Wang says he wants to continue to cultivate the DJ culture on island. Joshua “DJ Sylnt” Alvia and DJ EJFlores, two well known local DJs that played at EIF, agree.

“EIF was one of the best experiences for me. I was able to play in front of a big crowd and test myself at another level, so it was a great opportunity,” says DJ Sylnt.

Alvia also won The DJ Supremacy Battle competition last year. He battled it out with eight other talented mixers, and earned points through stage presence, technicality and most of all, interaction with the crowd.

“I did my own creative set. That’s what separates you from the rest. You can have one certain song that captures everyone’s emotions and you’re controlling the crowd,” Alvia says.

Next year, Alvia is aiming to compete in one of the biggest DJ competitions in the U.S., Red Bull Thre3Style.

“EIF is the biggest thing right now that attracts tourism and electronic music. It does give us that bigger experience that you can’t get unless you leave the island. For myself, I would always step up my game and bring something new to the table. Whether it’s bringing new tracks into or live remixing on the spot for the show,” says Flores.